Showing 4 posts from December 2009
How to train a puppy
A guide to dogs good with children.
Dog owners cherish the time spent with their 4-legged friends, but sometimes life
can get in the way. We have so many demands placed on us - by careers, families, etc - that sometimes those "scheduled" daily walks get put on the back burner.
Would we be more faithful to our walking regimens if we knew that those precious minutes could be part of a plan to get healthier and lose weight?
A recent study conducted at the Wellness Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago showed encouraging results. The study recruited subjects who were overweight or obese, some of whom owned overweight or obese dogs.
The year-long study provided counseling and nutrition education, and required
participants to exercise, for at least 20-30 minutes per day. The dog owners fed their pets a low-calorie diet.
Thirty-six dog-owners and 56 dog-less folks participated in the study.
Although both groups lost almost the same weight, it is noteworthy that the group of dog-owners exercised more. The dogs lost an average of 15 of their excess weight. In addition, participants who walked with their dogs reported that they experienced more social support throughout the year.
Psychology has long believed that people who are surrounded by supportive
individuals are healthier whereas those lacking support of family members
and friends are more apt to struggle.
Owning a dog, apparently, can fill
this gap in a person's social needs. Rarely will a dog not be excited to exercise with its master. So, an overweight person comes home from work, to find his or her best friend sitting by the door with the leash in its teeth. Now that is social support.
Also, many dieters need someone to hold them accountable. Once you start a
program like this, the sight of your dog sulking by the door might be enough to propel you off the couch.
There is also the pride factor. Most dog owners are proud of their canine
companions. Let's admit it: it is fun to take one's dog out and parade it around the neighborhood, especially when both pet and master are starting to slim down.
Remember that walking your dog is not limited to your neighborhood. Find out if there are any dog parks or dog-friendly walking or hiking trails nearby. Your pet friend will adore you for a brief foray out into the wild!
Consult with your doctor and your veterinarian before beginning any exercise or weight loss program. Then ask your dog how it feels about it. I can promise you, your dog will be more than willing to help you shed some of those excess pounds.
Matthew Papa is a biologist and dog owner who has been following research findings related to obesity in humans and pets. Matthew is the editor of
weightlosstriumph.com<http://www.weightlosstriumph.com/node/30>, a website that provides weight loss diet plan reviews.
Keep your dog fit and trim. Find out from our guide, what your dog's average food needs are based on his weight.
A list of small dog breeds, also known as toy dogs or miniatrue dogs, including pictures and descriptions.
